Kitchen fire

Crews were called to a kitchen fire after a cardboard box caught alight after being left on a halogen hob.

Firefighters believe the hob had turned on accidentally while the occupier was out.

The fire was out on arrival and safety checks were carried out by 11:21hrs.

Each year the Service is called to around 500 kitchen fires, nearly 10 a week.

ECFRS has issued kitchen safety advice to keep you as safe as possible in the kitchen:

•Avoid leaving cooking unattended and never leave children in the kitchen alone.
•Take care if you’re wearing loose clothing – they can easily catch fire.
•Keep tea towels and cloths away from the cooker and hob.
•Check toasters are clean and placed away from curtains and kitchen rolls.
•Keep the oven, hob and grill clean and in good working order. A build-up of fat and grease can ignite a fire.
•Take care when cooking with hot oil – it sets alight easily. If the oil starts to smoke – it’s too hot. Turn off the heat and leave it to cool. Ideally cook oven chips but if you are deep fat frying then use a thermostat controlled electric deep fat fryer - they can’t overheat.
•Never try to cook after a night out drinking. It is far better to grab a kebab on the way home than to attempt to cook while intoxicated.

The best way to stay safe in the home is to fit and regularly test smoke alarms. If you would like to arrange for a free home fire safety visit, during which smoke alarms will be fitted free of charge, then call us on 0300 303 0088 or email webmaster@essex-fire.gov.uk